Shelf and display device

ABSTRACT

A gravity-feed shelf for a display device for modular merchandise units includes a first outer wall, a second substantially parallel outer wall and a support between the first and second outer wall. The support includes an inclined rearward portion elevated at a first angle between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a horizontal, a forward retaining portion and an inclined intermediate portion connecting the rearward portion and forward retaining portion. The intermediate portion is elevated at a second angle relative to the horizontal greater than the first angle and forms a third angle of substantially 90 degrees with the forward retaining portion. The support defines an unobstructed travel path for the modular merchandise unit so that when a rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is placed on the inclined rearward portion of the support, the modular merchandise unit descends by gravity and tips into a selected presentation position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to display devices for modular merchandise units and more particularly to a gravity-feed shelf for a display device designed to hold modular merchandise units such as boxes and to provide a gravity feed for the merchandise unit, so that when a unit is removed, the next unit will descend by gravity and tip into a selected presentation position for access by a consumer.

2. The Prior Art

Various display devices for displaying items of merchandise to potential consumers are known. One problem inherent in display devices employing traditional horizontal shelves with merchandise units arranged one behind another is that when a front-most unit is removed from a shelf, it is difficult for purchasers or prospective purchasers to see the remaining merchandise units which units are spaced back from the front portion of the shelf. This is particularly true for merchandise units disposed on the bottom and lower shelves of a display device.

Some display devices include mechanical pushing devices which push the remaining merchandise units forward when a unit disposed in front of the remaining units is removed. Such mechanical pushing devices, however, may be incompatible with certain types of modular merchandise units. For example, certain merchandise boxes, and in particular cardboard merchandise boxes containing disposable beverage filter cartridges, may be crushed or otherwise damaged by the force of a mechanical pushing device.

Other known display devices include gravity feed devices wherein articles of merchandise move by gravity along a downward course to a forward or dispensing position at the front of the device. When modular merchandise units are moved along a straight gravity fed course, however, the front-most unit assumes a forwardly-tilted position wherein the front or display surface of the merchandise unit is angled down toward the floor. This forwardly-tilted position is undesirable because it makes it difficult for purchasers or prospective purchasers to see the front or display surface of the merchandise unit in this position.

Moreover, even if the gravity feed shelf arrangement is such that a front-most merchandise unit assumes a position wherein a base of the unit is parallel to the floor and the front or display surface of the unit faces straight out, this is still not an optimum presentation position as it may be difficult to see units on the bottom or lower shelves of the display device.

Accordingly, there is a need for a gravity-fed shelf for a display device wherein merchandise units descend by gravity and are guided into a selected presentation position which increases the visibility of the front-most merchandise unit. Moreover, there is a need for a gravity-feed shelf for a display device wherein merchandise units descend by gravity and are guided into a position wherein a front or display surface of the front-most unit is angled upwardly toward a prospective purchaser.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gravity-feed shelf for a display device for a least one modular merchandise unit is provided. The modular merchandise unit has a substantially flat rear surface, a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat bottom surface. The gravity-feed shelf includes a first outer wail, a second outer wall disposed substantially parallel to the first outer wall and at least one support disposed between the first outer wall and second outer wall. The support includes an inclined rearward portion elevated at a first angle between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a horizontal, a forward retaining portion and an inclined intermediate portion connecting the inclined rearward portion and the forward retaining portion. The inclined intermediate portion is elevated at a second angle relative to the horizontal greater than the first angle and forms a third angle of substantially 90 degrees with the forward retaining portion. The support defines an unobstructed travel path for the modular merchandise unit so that when the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is placed on the inclined rearward portion of the support, the modular merchandise unit will descend by gravity and tip into a selected presentation position wherein the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against the inclined intermediate portion, the bottom surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against the forward retaining portion and the front surface of the modular merchandise unit is displayed at an angle relative to the horizontal equal to the second angle.

In another aspect, a display device for a least one modular merchandise unit having a substantially flat rear surface, a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat bottom surface is provided. The display device includes a housing having at least one open face and at least one gravity-feed shelf supported in the housing. The gravity-feed shelf includes a first outer wall, a second outer wall disposed substantially parallel to the first outer wall and at least one support disposed between the first outer wall and second outer wall. The support includes an inclined rearward portion elevated at a first angle between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a horizontal, a forward retaining portion and an inclined intermediate portion connecting the inclined rearward portion and the forward retaining portion. The inclined intermediate portion is elevated at a second angle relative to the horizontal greater than the first angle and forms a third angle of substantially 90 degrees with the forward retaining portion. The support defines an unobstructed travel path for the modular merchandise unit so that when the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is placed on the inclined rearward portion of the support, the modular merchandise unit will descend by gravity and tip into a selected presentation position wherein the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against the inclined intermediate portion, the bottom surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against the forward retaining portion and the front surface of the modular merchandise unit is displayed at an angle relative to the horizontal equal to the second angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other benefits and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed as an illustration only and not as a definition of the limits of the invention.

In the drawings, wherein similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a display device incorporating gravity-feed shelves in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a gravity-feed shelf in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the gravity-feed shelf shown in FIG. 2, with an outer wall removed for ease of reference;

FIG. 4 is a side view as in FIG. 3, showing a path of travel of a modular merchandise unit; and

FIG. 5 is a side view of the gravity-feed shelf shown in FIG. 2, with an outer wall shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 2-5 show a gravity-feed shelf 10 for a display device such as display device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Gravity-feed shelf 10 and display device 100 are designed to hold and display a least one modular merchandise unit 1. Modular merchandise units 1 may be, for example, boxes or packages having square, rectangular, octagonal or other shapes. Modular merchandise units 1 may include boxes containing disposable beverage filter cartridges or other products offered for sale.

Modular merchandise units 1 may have a substantially flat or planar rear surface 2, a substantially flat or planar front surface 3 and a substantially flat or planar bottom or base surface 4, as well as a top surface. One or more of surfaces 2, 3, 4 of modular merchandise unit 1 typically include printed indicia in the form of text and/or images relating to the product contained within modular merchandise unit 1. When displaying modular merchandise units 1, it is generally preferred to display front surface 3 of the unit 1 most prominently. In other words, the modular merchandise units 1 should be arranged such that front surface 1 is the surface most easily visible to purchasers or prospective purchasers.

As shown in FIG. 2, gravity-feed shelf 10 includes a first outer wall 11 and a second outer wall 12 disposed substantially parallel to first outer wall 11. The gravity-feed shelf may also include a rear wall extending between the rear portion s of first outer wall 11 and second outer wall 12.

At least one support 20 is disposed between first outer wall 11 and second outer wall 12. Gravity-feed shelf 10 and its associated walls and supports may be from metal sheet, wire and/or plastic materials and may be formed as an integral unit, such as a single molded part, or as an assembly of multiple components.

As shown in FIG. 3, support 20 has an inclined rearward portion 21. Thus, portion 21 of support 20 inclines rearwardly such that a rear section of portion 21 is at a greater elevation than a front section of portion 21. In particular, inclined rearward portion 21 is elevated at a first angle 210 between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a horizontal. For example, inclined rearward portion 21 may be elevated at an angle of approximately 12 degrees relative to the horizontal.

Support 20 further includes a forward retaining portion 22 and an inclined intermediate portion 23 connecting inclined rearward portion 21 and forward retaining portion 22. Inclined intermediate portion 23 is elevated at a second angle 220 relative to the horizontal greater than first angle 210. Thus, intermediate portion 23 of support 20 inclines rearwardly such that a rear section of intermediate portion 23 adjacent inclined rearward portion 21 is at a greater elevation than a front section of intermediate portion 23 adjacent forward retaining portion 22. The second angle 220 at which intermediate portion 23 is elevated relative to the horizontal may be, for example, between 40 degrees and 50 degrees. More particularly, the second angle 220 at which intermediate portion 23 is elevated relative to the horizontal may be approximately 46 degrees. Inclined intermediate portion 23 forms a third angle 230 with forward retaining portion 22. This third angle 230 may be approximately or substantially 90 degrees.

Support 20, including inclined rearward portion 21, inclined intermediate portion 23 and forward retaining portion 22 defines an unobstructed travel path for the modular merchandise unit 1. In particular, when the rear surface 2 of the modular merchandise unit 1 is placed on inclined rearward portion 21 of support 20, the modular merchandise unit 1 will descend by gravity and tip or rotate into a selected presentation position. In this selected presentation position, the rear surface 2 of the front-most modular merchandise unit 1 rests against inclined intermediate portion 23, the bottom surface 4 of that modular merchandise unit 1 rests against forward retaining portion 22 and the front surface 3 of that modular merchandise unit is displayed at an angle relative to the horizontal equal to second angle 220. In this way, the front-most modular merchandise unit 1 is displayed in a position designed to enhance and maximize visibility of the front display surface 3 of the merchandise unit.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary path of travel of a modular merchandise unit 1 as it descends by gravity and tips into a selected presentation position wherein its rear surface 2 rests against inclined intermediate portion 23 of support 20 and its bottom surface 4 rests against forward retaining portion 22 of support 20. The particular angles of inclination of the rearward, intermediate and forward retaining portions 21, 23, 22 of support 20 as well as the lengths of the portions are configured and dimensioned relative to the particular modular merchandise units 1 disposed on the support so that the modular merchandise unit 1 can descend and tip into the selected presentation position without units becoming stalled due to lack of gravitational force or becoming wedged against forward retaining portion 22 without dropping into the selected angular position. For example, support 20 may be configured such that a ratio of the length of inclined intermediate portion 23 to a length of the rear surface 2 of the modular merchandise unit 1 is within a range of 5.5:10-6.5:10.

As shown in FIG. 2, gravity-feed shelf 10 may include one or more raised rails 211 or tracks extending along inclined rearward portion 21 of support 20. Each support 20 may include, for example, three separate raised rails 211 arranged spaced apart and parallel to one another. Raised rails 211 may serve to elevate the modular merchandise units 1 above the surface of inclined rearward portion 21 of support 20, thereby reducing the area of surface contact between the rear surface 2 of the modular merchandise unit 1 and the support. In particular, the rear surface 2 of the modular merchandise unit 1 contacts inclined rearward portion 21 of the support 20 only at the narrow surface of the raised rails 211. This reduces friction between the modular merchandise unit 1 and the inclined rearward portion 21, which allows the merchandise units 1 to descend by gravity without becoming stuck, even in the case of a relatively moderate incline.

In order to further assure that the merchandise units 1 descend by gravity without becoming stuck, a lubricant may be applied to raised rails 211. The lubricant may be applied as a spray, a liquid or solid and may include a silicone-based compound or any other lubricant compatible with raised rails 211 and modular merchandise units 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, gravity-feed shelf 10 may include at least one dividing wall 13 disposed between and substantially parallel to first outer wall 11 and second outer wall 12. Gravity feed-shelf may include a first support 20 disposed between first outer wall 11 and a dividing wall 13 and a second support 20 disposed between second outer wall 12 and dividing wall 12.

Each pair of a respective dividing wall 13 and an adjacent dividing wall 13 or outer wall 11, 12 together with an associated support 20 disposed therebetween, form a channel or chute for a row of modular merchandise units 1, arranged one behind another. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, six dividing walls 13 are provided, forming along with first and second outer walls 11, 12, a total of seven channels or chutes of equal width for associated rows of modular merchandise units 1. Support portions 20 of the gravity-feed shelf may have openings therethrough, which reduce the weight of the gravity-feed shelf 10.

Dividing walls 13 may be spaced according to the dimensions of the modular merchandise units 1 to be supported on the gravity-feed shelf 10 and may be arranged to provide channels or chutes of equal or differing widths. Dividing walls or dividers 13 may be integral with gravity-feed shelf 10, for example they may be molded as a single unit with the shelf, or alternatively may be provided as separate components and fastened to the gravity-feed shelf 10 assembly.

FIG. 1 shows a display device 100 for a least one modular merchandise unit 1 having a substantially flat rear surface, a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat bottom surface. Seven vertically spaced gravity-feed shelves 10 are shown on a first side of display device 100. The opposite side of display device 100 may also include gravity-feed shelves and the remaining two sides may include flat shelves as shown.

Display device 100 includes a housing 110 of suitable dimensions. For example, housing 110 may be approximately fifty eight inches tall and have a base measuring approximately forty eight inches deep and seventy three and three eighths inches wide. Housing 110 has at least one open face 120 for displaying modular merchandise units 1 on gravity-feed shelves 10. Preferably, housing 110 has two open faces 120 on opposite sides of housing 110.

At least one gravity-feed shelf 10, and preferably a plurality of gravity-feed shelves 10, as previously described and shown in FIGS. 2-5, are supported in housing 110. Advertising or other graphic material may be provided on side portions of display device 100. In addition, a cap may be provided at a top of housing 110 for the display of advertising text, graphics, product representations and the like.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications may be made thereunto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A gravity-feed shelf for a display device for a least one modular merchandise unit having a substantially flat rear surface, a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, the gravity-feed shelf comprising: a) a first outer wall; b) a second outer wall disposed substantially parallel to said first outer wall; and c) at least one support disposed between said first outer wall and said second outer wall, said support comprising an inclined rearward portion elevated at a first angle between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a horizontal; a forward retaining portion and an inclined intermediate portion connecting said inclined rearward portion and said forward retaining portion, wherein said inclined intermediate portion is elevated at a second angle relative to the horizontal greater than said first angle and said inclined intermediate portion forms a third angle of substantially 90 degrees with said forward retaining portion; wherein said support defines an unobstructed travel path for the modular merchandise unit so that when the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is placed on said inclined rearward portion of said support, the modular merchandise unit will descend by gravity and tip into a selected presentation position wherein the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against said inclined intermediate portion, the bottom surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against said forward retaining portion and the front surface of the modular merchandise unit is displayed at an angle relative to the horizontal equal to said second angle.
 2. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 1, further comprising at least one dividing wall disposed between and substantially parallel to said first outer wall and said second outer wall, wherein said at least one support comprises at least a first support disposed between said first outer wall and said at least one dividing wall and at least a second support disposed between said second outer wall and said at least one dividing wall.
 3. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 1, wherein said second angle is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.
 4. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 3, wherein said second angle is approximately 46 degrees.
 5. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 1, wherein said first angle is approximately 12 degrees.
 6. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 1, further comprising at least one raised rail extending along said inclined rearward portion of said support.
 7. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 6, further comprising a lubricant applied to said at least one raised rail.
 8. The gravity-feed shelf according to claim 1 wherein a ratio of a length of said inclined intermediate portion of said support to a length of the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is within a range of 5.5:10-6.5:10.
 9. A display device for a least one modular merchandise unit having a substantially flat rear surface, a substantially flat front surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, the display device comprising: a) a housing comprising at least one open face; b) at least one gravity-feed shelf supported in said housing, said gravity-feed shelf comprising: i) a first outer wail; ii) a second outer wail disposed substantially parallel to said first outer wall; and iii) at least one support disposed between said first outer wall and said second outer wall, said support comprising an inclined rearward portion elevated at a first angle between 5 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a horizontal; a forward retaining portion and an inclined intermediate portion connecting said inclined rearward portion and said forward retaining portion, wherein said inclined intermediate portion is elevated at a second angle relative to the horizontal greater than said first angle and said inclined intermediate portion forms a third angle of substantially 90 degrees with said forward retaining portion; wherein said support defines an unobstructed travel path for the modular merchandise unit so that when the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is placed on said inclined rearward portion of said support, the modular merchandise unit will descend by gravity and tip into a selected presentation position wherein the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against said inclined intermediate portion, the bottom surface of the modular merchandise unit rests against said forward retaining portion and the front surface of the modular merchandise unit is displayed at an angle relative to the horizontal equal to said second angle.
 10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein said gravity-feed shelf further comprises at least one dividing wall disposed between and substantially parallel to said first outer wall and said second outer wall and wherein said at least one support comprises at least a first support disposed between said first outer wall and said at least one dividing wall and at least a second support disposed between said second outer wall and said at least one dividing wall.
 11. The display device according to claim 9, wherein said second angle is between 40 degrees and 50 degrees.
 12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein said second angle is approximately 46 degrees.
 13. The display device according to claim 9, wherein said first angle is approximately 12 degrees.
 14. The display device according to claim 9, wherein said gravity-feed shelf further comprises at least one raised rail extending along said inclined rearward portion of said support.
 15. The display device according to claim 14, further comprising a lubricant applied to said at least one raised rail.
 16. The display device according to claim 9, wherein wherein a ratio of a length of said inclined intermediate portion of said support to a length of the rear surface of the modular merchandise unit is within a range of 5.5:10-6.5:10. 